[mrmambo]

I've screwed up the USB library files and now can't fix it, since my keyboard and mouse won't respond!

Computer - iMac DV-SE 500 MHz G3, Apple Mouse & Keyboard, Entrega USB hub (unplugged)

Here's the 411:
1. My keyboard stopped working correctly and then at all
2. Thought it might be software - no results after repair attempts
3. Thought hardware - nothing obviously wrong; cleaned keyboard thoroughly, but it still didn't work
4. Thought might be 10.2.5 update - some people had USB (hub) problems; remedy was to replace library/files for USB with those from 10.2.4 (per article on MacNN)
5. Did that - but the 10.2.4 version of those files gives me an error window (fix, replace, etc.); I can't dismiss it, though, as now when it boots up neither the mouse OR keyboard works - I have no way to input into the computer!

(And, yes - I've tried various combinations of plugging/unplugging the mouse & keyboard in the USB ports.)

Thought about:
a. Using boot disc and replacing 10.2 - but, can't force CD boot, since I can't use the "c" key or tell it to use CD as startup disc in SW
b. Telnetting in from PC to fix files I swapped - but, can't telent in since I shut off remote login in Network control panel

Any thoughts? My computer is just sitting here & I have no clue what to do short of a electromagnetic pulse bomb to wipe the hard drive.


thx

-m-

[Visnaut]

Originally posted by mrmambo:
a. Using boot disc and replacing 10.2 - but, can't force CD boot, since I can't use the "c" key or tell it to use CD as startup disc in SW

Have you actually tried though? It may be that OS X's USB drivers are hosed, but during the boot process, the firmware initially takes care of USB, so it's quite probable that the "c" key trick will work... if not, then the hardware may indeed be f'ed.

And to add to that, simply the presence of the OSX 10.2 install disc in my mac is enough to boot from it sometimes. But depending on the model you have, you may not even have an external eject button other than the one on your keyboard. Hmmm... I can see how complex this dilemma is...

If the above doesn't work, and you have some sort of external USB drive that you can mount (even some digital cameras will do the trick) then try plugging it in. If it mounts, then it's most likely just the keyboard and not the USB controller hardware (hopefully). If that doesn't work however, then I would surmise that it's a serious hardware issue, and would consider bringing in your mac for repairs.

In any case, good luck, and keep us posted!

[mrmambo]

Thanks, Visnaut:

Yes, I've tried hitting the "c" key, but that doesn't force a CD boot. I think the keyboard may be hosed - that was my original thought and problem, but I hoped it might be a software issue since others were reporting various USB issues with the 10.2.5 update.

So, without a working keyboard and with the USB library f-ed-up I can't use the "C" key to force a CD boot, can't use the mouse to choose the CD as the startup disc, can't use the mouse to dismiss the USB library error window that appears, etc. I even downloaded an onscreen keyboard to mess with the USB files, but without the mouse I can't use that either.

I'm going to go buy a new keyboard today and see what happens - it would be nice if that allows me to fix the USB library files, but it would've been even nicer to not have to spend $60 on a Pro Keyboard!

I'm also wondering if I can do anything with OS 9 boot CD ... may try using that and seeing what happens.

Thx -
-m-

[Art Vandelay]

Booting from the CD has nothing to do with software on the hard drive. The initial boot process is handled by firmware. This is why it is possible to put in a new, blank drive and install an OS on it. You might also want to try zapping the PRAM ( hold Command-Option-P-R when booting until you hear the boot chime again), but you most likely have a hardware problem.

Also, try holding Option when booting instead of the 'c' key. This will bring up the boot device screen so you can choose a boot device. This will give you better feedback about whether your keyboard is working. Holding the 'c' key doesn't give you any visual feedback, whereas Option does.